The movie is supposed to be a Chinese "chick-flick" according to some interviews given by the producers. And it absolutely served its purpose, for that sake I say "congratulations, well done".
In a Hollywood romance movie, we knew in the very beginning who and whom are going to end up together however during the course some misunderstanding or fight is bound to take place (but really, admit it, you kind of want and enjoy such a pattern - otherwise why would you pick the genre unless your significant other forced you into it?). This one isn't from Hollywood but it's no exception. So why do I say it's a good piece? 1, Polished scripts. The story is well founded and well developed. Pregnant women coming to the US to give birth is widely known and a shadow industry has boomed in some cities in the west coast. Middle classes immigrating to the US only to find themselves lost and without a decent job is another popular topic. Blending these together, the director/writer has the main characters present you how these people fare in their new lives (and develop love to serve the movie's purpose). When the film carries on the two leading roles, each representing their own type, cross paths and sort of help each other out in their own ways over a series of interesting episodes and amusing confrontations. These episodes are carefully set up therefore do feel authentic, they really can happen in the American life. And from time to time the movie throws in some witty twists and surprises (such as Julie's little revenge with NYPD, and the sympathetic female cop, etc.), which build up laughs very well. The progression is well paced and the settings are down to details.
2, Satisfactory performances. Tang Wei is famous for her heroine role in Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution", during which she delivered all the tension, pains, and struggles. Now she takes on comedy again (she once lead in another comedy "Crossing Hennessy", which fared poorly but not her fault). I was not impressed with the beginning scenes in the airport - the dancing gimmicks were not necessary - however with the movie goes on she got much better, especially after the character started to befriend others and show her sweetness. She eventually gave a sound execution of the change required for the role. The leading actor, Wu Xiubo, can be a little too reserved with his role, a henpecked good-husband, but the performance is overall decent. All supporting roles are consistent and some of them can even steal the show for a moment.
The movie was an instant commercial success and I think it well deserves it. For me it's a solid 7/10. Although it's not my favorite genre, I hope the Chinese movie industry can brew up more of these quality pieces for its own good. It really isn't that hard as long as you put in efforts right?
In a Hollywood romance movie, we knew in the very beginning who and whom are going to end up together however during the course some misunderstanding or fight is bound to take place (but really, admit it, you kind of want and enjoy such a pattern - otherwise why would you pick the genre unless your significant other forced you into it?). This one isn't from Hollywood but it's no exception. So why do I say it's a good piece? 1, Polished scripts. The story is well founded and well developed. Pregnant women coming to the US to give birth is widely known and a shadow industry has boomed in some cities in the west coast. Middle classes immigrating to the US only to find themselves lost and without a decent job is another popular topic. Blending these together, the director/writer has the main characters present you how these people fare in their new lives (and develop love to serve the movie's purpose). When the film carries on the two leading roles, each representing their own type, cross paths and sort of help each other out in their own ways over a series of interesting episodes and amusing confrontations. These episodes are carefully set up therefore do feel authentic, they really can happen in the American life. And from time to time the movie throws in some witty twists and surprises (such as Julie's little revenge with NYPD, and the sympathetic female cop, etc.), which build up laughs very well. The progression is well paced and the settings are down to details.
2, Satisfactory performances. Tang Wei is famous for her heroine role in Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution", during which she delivered all the tension, pains, and struggles. Now she takes on comedy again (she once lead in another comedy "Crossing Hennessy", which fared poorly but not her fault). I was not impressed with the beginning scenes in the airport - the dancing gimmicks were not necessary - however with the movie goes on she got much better, especially after the character started to befriend others and show her sweetness. She eventually gave a sound execution of the change required for the role. The leading actor, Wu Xiubo, can be a little too reserved with his role, a henpecked good-husband, but the performance is overall decent. All supporting roles are consistent and some of them can even steal the show for a moment.
The movie was an instant commercial success and I think it well deserves it. For me it's a solid 7/10. Although it's not my favorite genre, I hope the Chinese movie industry can brew up more of these quality pieces for its own good. It really isn't that hard as long as you put in efforts right?